2 MILF leaders linked to blast

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police have linked two commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the recent bombing in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

In an ABS-CBN interview yesterday, Senior Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao, PNP spokesman, said the bombing was patterned after the Dec. 18, 2003 attack in Maguindanao that killed 18 civilians, including Datu Saudi Ampatuan, son of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan.

Pagbilao did not identify the two MILF commanders.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu, however, said the police have no basis to make the allegation.

He said the MILF would answer the issue in the proper forum.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF secretariat, said the front’s leadership is intently watching developments in the investigation due to their possible implications on their struggle. — Richel Umel